Arsenal's Balogun rejects loan spell next season

Folarin Balogun in action for the USMNT || Image credit: Imago

FOOTBALL Arsenal's Balogun rejects loan spell next season

Mark Kinyanjui 20:31 - 19.06.2023

Balogun wants assurances of first team football at Arsenal to consider staying with the North Londoners.

Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has ruled out going on loan again next season amid uncertainty around his future.

The US international has spent the previous two seasons on loan at Middlesbrough and Reims and enjoyed a particularly successful spell in Ligue 1 last term, finishing the campaign with 22 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions. The Athletic reported in April that Balogun wants to continue operating as a first-choice striker next season.

Balogun’s Arsenal deal runs until 2025 but he has featured just twice in the Premier League for the North London club since making his debut in 2020. Arsenal signed forward Gabriel Jesus last summer, and Eddie Nketiah deputised while Jesus was sidelined during the 2022-23 season.

“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again,” Balogun said. “I’m not sure (about) the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.

“But I’m just committed now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family.”

Balogun was speaking after scoring his first senior international goal for the US in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Canada, a result which saw America defend their CONCACAF Nations League title.

The 21-year-old committed to representing the US in May, having also been eligible to play for England and Nigeria.

Balogun made his senior US debut in Friday’s 3-0 victory over Mexico and got off the mark for his country with a first-half goal against Canada.

“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I mean, it’s a dream scenario for me,” he added. “To be here now, the transition is amazing. I’m just overwhelmed with delight.

“I think the thing that surprised me the most was just the actual talent in this group. I think there are so many players who are going to go on to have top careers, who are all so young, including me.”

The US are next in action on June 25 when they face Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.